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Last update: October 22, 2024

Machu Picchu Regulation

Note: Adapted from the original regulations available in Spanish on the Ministry of Culture Cusco website.

Regulations

The Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, recognized by UNESCO as a Cultural and Natural World Heritage, is a protected site. Entrance to the Inca citadel and the optional sites is limited and certain rules apply:

Machu Picchu

The access is limited to approximately 6000 people per day, all year around, in two schedules:
- 2500 people approximately for Group 1 from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm.
- 3000 people approximately for Group 2 from 12:00 pm to 17:30 pm.

Wayna Picchu

The access is limited to 400 people per day, all year around, in two schedules:
- 200 people for Group 1 from 7:00 am to 8:00 am.
- 200 people for Group 2 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

Machu Picchu Mountain

The access is limited to 800 people per day, all year around, in two schedules:
- 400 people for Group 1 from 7:00 am to 8:00 am.
- 400 people for Group 2 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.

Manuel Chávez Ballón Museum

It is located at Km 112 "Puente Ruinas" before going up to Machu Picchu, 20 minutes away by foot from Aguas Calientes.
The access is unlimited, all year around.
The entrance is allowed from 9:00 am.
The permanence in the museum is authorized until 5:00 pm.
The visit only takes 15 minutes.

In general

It is mandatory to have a guide to visit Machu Picchu. Approved guides not included in the ticket price are located at the entrance of the site. Their prices and conditions must be negotiated directly on site.
The visit of the site is done only in one direction, according to pre-established circuits coordinated beforehand with the guide.
The entrance ticket is only valid once. It is not possible to exit the site and return later.
The entrance and exit are located in 2 different places. It is then no longer possible to leave your belongings in the lockers at the entrance gate.
Umbrellas and children strollers are forbidden in the citadel.
No entrance tickets can be purchased directly on site.
Beverages are authorized only in bottles.
It is forbidden to eat on site.
Walking sticks are allowed only for the elderly and handicapped persons.
The only authorized bags are backpacks or small bags.
It is forbidden to climb Inca walls.
It is forbidden to make wood fires.
It is forbidden to throw garbage.
Toilets are located outside the sanctuary.
Flora and fauna shall be protected.
It is forbidden to make disturbing noises (whistles, shouting).
It is forbidden to write and/or draw on walls and floors.

Prohibitions

During the visit to Machu Picchu, the following are prohibited:

Carrying backpacks, bags, or purses larger than 40x35x20 cm (16x14x8 inches).
Entering with food or kitchenware.
Entering with any illegal substances or being under their effects.
Entering with any kind of alcoholic beverages or inebriated.
Carrying walking sticks, umbrellas, portable seats, tripods, stands, or extensions for cameras, cell phones, or any other stabilization or extension devices for filming and/or photography.
Entering with animals, except guide dogs.
Feeding domestic or wild animals.
Entering with any kind of aerosols.
Performing any type of graffiti.
Entering with any type of musical instrument, megaphone, or speakers.
Making loud or annoying noises such as clapping, shouting, whistling, or singing, among others.
Using virtual applications with cell phones or mobile devices in narrow passages.
Entering with high heels or hard-soled shoes.
Accessing with baby strollers.
Entering with sharp objects and/or any type of weapon.
Entering with flags, posters, banners, clothing intended for advertising purposes, costumes, or other objects of this kind. Filming or photographing for advertising purposes is also prohibited.
Causing a commotion, jumping, lying down, running, undressing, or creating disorder.
Climbing or leaning on walls and/or structures. Touching, moving, or extracting stone elements.
Disturbing, collecting, or extracting flora or fauna.
Engaging in activities that distort the sacred nature of Machu Picchu, such as fashion shows, dances, social engagements, obscene acts contrary to morality and good customs, or any activity that implies the degradation or deterioration of the monument, its natural environment, and/or facilities.
Smoking, vaping, or making any type of fire.
Throwing any kind of waste.
Not respecting established circuits and routes.
Street vending within the monument and surrounding areas up to Puente Ruinas.
Performing overflights with paragliders, drones, or any type of small aircraft.

Engaging in acts or bringing prohibited items from this list will result in the visitor's immediate expulsion without the right to a refund and the initiation of corresponding legal actions. Park rangers from the Ministry of Culture and agents from the National Police are the authorities within the monument.

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